Himachal Pradesh CM Unveils Relief Package for Cloudburst Victims in Mandi

Comprehensive Relief for Affected Families

Mandi: Following the severe cloudbursts that devastated Mandi district last week, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a significant relief initiative for impacted families during his visit to the disaster-stricken Seraj Assembly constituency on July 9, 2025.

While addressing residents in Bagshyad village, CM Sukhu stated that families who lost their homes would receive ₹7 lakh each for reconstruction efforts. He assured that the state cabinet would soon endorse this provision to facilitate immediate support for those affected.

Moreover, the government plans to allocate ₹50,000 to families whose livestock, especially cows, were lost in the floods. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of rebuilding homes at a safe distance from riverbanks and streams to reduce future risks, highlighting the need for safer construction practices in light of increasing cloudburst incidents.

Political Reactions and Assessments

BJP Intensifies Scrutiny; Nadda Evaluates Damage

As the state government initiated its relief measures, BJP national president and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda conducted an assessment in Pangaliyoonar (Nachan constituency), where he engaged with displaced families.

While promising central assistance, Nadda suggested the possibility of a special aid package but refrained from committing to label the disaster as a 'national calamity', a request that has been long-standing from the state government.

The opposition BJP criticized the Sukhu administration for what they termed 'delayed and insufficient' relief efforts. State BJP chief Rajiv Bindal reported that over 30 individuals remain unaccounted for, roads are still obstructed, and relief camps are lacking clean drinking water. He claimed that the government has not restored basic infrastructure even a week post-disaster.

Rising Casualties and Ongoing Challenges

Disaster Impact Continues to Escalate

The cloudbursts on June 30 severely affected Mandi’s Seraj, Nachan, Karsog, and Dharmpur regions, resulting in the complete destruction of over 400 homes. Of the 42 individuals reported missing, only 14 bodies have been recovered thus far.

Due to adverse weather conditions, CM Sukhu had to travel by road as his helicopter could not depart from Shimla. He spent the night in Seraj to oversee rescue and rehabilitation operations personally. Meanwhile, affected villagers expressed their dissatisfaction with the slow distribution of aid, with many still waiting for temporary housing and essential supplies.